Paris

Bulot are small, gray, faintly slimy sea snails that often cling humbly to the edge of giant shellfish platters in fancy Paris restaurants. Sweep away the lobster and oysters, and go for the bulot. They feed on crabs and shrimp, and are flavorful, rich, and delicious. We like Bar a Huitres on St. Germain, but they have a few locations. Also, some of the local markets boil the bulot (said to be famously and obnoxiously fragrant as they boil) with black pepper, which is even more amazingly delicious.

If you think you don’t, and never could, like steak tartare, order it at Brasserie Balzar. Put a dollop on a chunk of rye bread, and you will push away the frites.

The park at the Luxembourg Gardens is filled with splendid places for children to romp, and things for them to stomp on. They serve outstanding coffee and pastry, too.

My wife tells me that Paris is also filled with many outstanding cultural attractions. I’ll have to take her word for that.

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About Me

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters, having reported from all over the world and many wars. He is the award-winning host of Weekend Edition Saturday. With over 4 million listeners it is the most-listened to news program on NPR. Simon has written eight books and has one of the largest personal media followings on Twitter. He also hosts public television specials and does stories for CBS Sunday Morning. Scott received the Order of Lincoln from the State of Illinois in 2016, the state’s highest honor.